Currently Reading Podcast: Season 7, Episode 14 – "Bookish Lego + Boss My TBR"

Release Date: November 4, 2024

Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie Cobb

1. Expanding the Team and Enhancing Social Media Presence

Meredith and Katie kick off the episode by announcing an exciting development for the "Currently Reading" podcast. They have welcomed Betsy Eikenberry as the new social media manager to invigorate their Instagram presence.

Meredith [06:25]:
"We are going to have a lot of really new and different things coming up. Betsy is full of ideas."

Katie [07:04]:
"It’s the refresh and the revamp and how there's a lot of fresh energy. Everything about it makes me excited."

Betsy’s addition aims to bring more video content, regular series, and increased engagement, encouraging listeners to follow their Instagram account for updates and interactive content.

2. Current Reads

Meredith’s Picks:

"The Hollow" by Agatha Christie
Meredith shares her journey through Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series, currently reading "The Hollow." She appreciates the novel’s focus on the female characters and its exploration of the human psyche over mere murder mechanics.

Meredith [12:26]:
"The Hollow is centering the women of the story in a way that many of her early novels do not. The women are richly drawn with agency, even if it isn't traditionally portrayed."

"Daily Rituals" by Mason Curry
In a pivot to non-fiction, Meredith delves into "Daily Rituals," a book exploring the daily routines of over 150 creatives, from novelists to scientists. She highlights common themes such as minimalistic diets, regular exercise, and disciplined schedules that foster creativity.

Meredith [25:52]:
"I was endlessly fascinated by how creatives organize their days. It’s a point of fascination that’s stayed with me my entire life."

"17 Years Later" by JP Pomare
Meredith praises this crime fiction novel for its intelligent construction and layered mystery, set in New Zealand. The dual-timeline narrative intertwines the original 1996 Primrose family murder with a present-day true crime podcast investigation.

Meredith [31:00]:
"17 Years Later earns every one of those five stars. It’s a smart mystery with quality prose and a compelling puzzle."

Katie’s Picks:

"A Pirate’s Life for Tea" by Rebecca Thorne
Katie discusses her enthusiasm for this cozy fantasy novel, part of a series featuring a gentle sapphic romance aboard pirate ships. She admires its humor, punniness, and light-hearted adventure.

Katie [09:41]:
"It's piratey and sweet. It’s gentle, it's funny. I laughed out loud multiple times."

"Alice Forgot" by Lian Moriarty (Reread)
Katie revisits this heartfelt novel, reflecting on her personal growth over the past decade. The story of Alice, who loses a decade of her memory after a hit to the head, resonated deeply with her as she navigated her own life changes.

Katie [26:08]:
"Reading it again felt like an alternate view of my own life, and it gave me the catharsis I needed."

"Sandwich" by Kathryn Newman
Katie highlights this emotionally rich novel that delves into the lives of the sandwich generation—individuals caring for both their children and aging parents. She praises its relatability and the way it captures the complexities of middle-aged life.

Katie [40:06]:
"It's a fantastic book that will give you a wonderful insight into either where you are or where someone you love desperately is."

3. Boss My TBR: Recommendations for New Friends

Morgan Nibley’s TBR List:

Morgan shares five intriguing titles, blending indie press picks with beloved classics:

1. "The Art Thief" by Michael Finkel
2. "Hyde" by Craig Russell
3. "Diavola" by Jennifer Thorne
4. "The Bright Sword" by Lev Grossman
5. "Slue Foot" by Brahm

Meredith [42:47]:
"Morgan is definitely a Meredith reader, choosing five books that I absolutely loved."

Katie [45:07]:
"I selfishly am choosing to put 'The Bright Sword' first because sometimes my mood is bigger than my brain."

They recommend starting with "Diavola" for a spooky season read, followed by "Hyde" for its evocative setting, and "Slue Foot" for its unique illustrations and gripping narrative.

Katie Picken’s TBR List:

Katie Picken offers a diverse selection, reflecting her preference for emotional, reflective, and mysterious books:

1. "Make It So" by Patrick Stewart
2. "The Dry" by Jane Harper
3. "Blood and Sugar" by Laura Shepard Robinson
4. "Calculating Stars" by Mary Robinette Kowal
5. "The Whalebone Theater" by Joanna Quinn

Meredith [47:30]:
"Katie’s list is all over the place, but I love that that’s how I am as a reader."

They align in their recommendations, with both choosing "The Bright Sword" and "The Dry" as top picks for their compelling narratives and engaging storytelling.

4. The Fountain: Wishing for the Perfect Reads

Meredith’s Wishes:

1. Shorter Chapters:
   Meredith expresses a desire for books with shorter chapters to enhance her reading flow, especially on her Kindle.

   Meredith [50:40]:
   "I wish that every book had short chapters. I finish a chapter and have 27 minutes left for the next one, and I just have to stop."

2. Follow on Instagram:
   She urges listeners to follow their Instagram for more content and updates.

   Meredith [52:38]:
   "Follow us on Instagram at Currently Reading Podcast."

Katie’s Wishes:

1. "Taste" by Stanley Tucci:
   Katie recommends Stanley Tucci’s memoir, highlighting his love for food and its connection to his life story.

   Katie [53:08]:
   "Taste by Stanley Tucci is perfect for celebrating our lives through food, especially as we approach large family meals."

2. Follow on Instagram:
   Echoing Meredith’s request, Katie encourages listeners to connect on Instagram.

   Katie [54:17]:
   "Follow us on Instagram and help us grow our community."

Notable Moments and Quotes:

• Meredith on Adding Betsy:
  "We are going to have a lot of really new and different things coming up. Betsy is full of ideas." [06:25]

• Katie on LEGO Gift:
  "It's so cute. This is the second in a series, and I need to tell you that it doesn't matter. Raina and Kantha are introduced in book one, but I'm loving it as a perfect fit for my nerdy side." [09:41]

• Discussion on "17 Years Later":
  "It’s a smart mystery with quality prose and a compelling puzzle." [31:00]

• Meredith on "Daily Rituals":
  "I was endlessly fascinated by how creatives organize their days. It’s a point of fascination that’s stayed with me my entire life." [25:52]

Conclusion

Meredith and Katie continue to foster a vibrant community of book lovers through their thoughtful discussions and varied recommendations. From classic mysteries to contemporary romances and insightful non-fiction, this episode of "Currently Reading" offers something for every type of reader. Their enthusiasm for expanding their social media presence and engaging with listeners further enhances the podcast’s appeal, making it a must-listen for those seeking their next great read.

Connect with Meredith and Katie:

• Meredith Monday Schwartz on Instagram: @meredithmonday
• Katie Cobb on Instagram: @oatesonbookmarks
• Currently Reading Podcast on Instagram: @currentlyreadingpodcast
• Website: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
• Email: currentlyreadingpodcast@mail.com

“May your coffee be hot and your book be unputdownable.” – Katie Cobb
“Happy reading!” – Meredith Monday Schwartz